Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has offered advice to Virat Kohli on how to rediscover his form in the remaining Border Gavaskar Trophy matches. Hayden believes Kohli should emulate Sachin Tendulkar‘s disciplined approach during the 2004 Sydney Test.
Kohli’s performance in the series has been inconsistent, with scores of 5, 100 not out, 7, 11, and 3 in his last five innings. This translates to a total of 126 runs at an average of 31.50.
While speaking on Star Sports Hayden suggested that Kohli needs to focus on staying at the crease longer, especially given the expected favorable batting conditions in Melbourne.
“There could have been magnificent wins, there could have been losses, there could have been spinning conditions, I mean, you can list off a hundred different areas where Virat Kohli, over his magnificent career, would have batted.”
Hayden emphasized the importance of resisting the temptation to play at deliveries outside the off-stump. He recommends Kohli adopt a more disciplined approach, aligning himself with the ball and playing straight down the ground.
“But in Melbourne, he’s going to have a good batting track. What he does need to do is find a way to continue staying at the crease. Flashing outside the off-stump is something that he’s going to have to resist,”
Hayden acknowledges Kohli’s exceptional cover drive but suggests he temporarily restrain himself from playing it, as Tendulkar did during his memorable 241 not out in Sydney.
“And I suggest – he gets in line with the ball a bit more and looks to play down the ground a little bit more…”
Hayden recounted his experience fielding in the gully during that innings, admiring Tendulkar’s unwavering concentration and disciplined batting.
“I know he (Kohli) has a magnificent cover driver, but so did Sachin Tendulkar, and he put it away for a day. I sat in the gully licking my lips, thinking, you know what, this is magnificent, stubborn batting.”
Tendulkar, facing a lean patch during the 2004 tour, refrained from playing his signature off-side drives for the entire 613 minutes he was at the crease. This demonstrated remarkable self-control and determination.
Hayden highlighted how Tendulkar adjusted his game, focusing on playing off his legs, handling spin effectively, and addressing his weaknesses. This eventually led to a significant turnaround in his form.
“I didn’t look like getting a catch that day, and yet I felt like I was in the game that entire series. So, Sachin put away the cover drive, worked his way into the innings, hit off his legs beautifully, took on the spin, and addressed the areas of concern,”
Hayden expressed confidence that Kohli possesses a similar temperament and believes he can replicate Tendulkar’s approach in the upcoming Melbourne Test.
“He put a big cross through them and said, ‘Not on my watch today.’ Virat Kohli has got that personality, and I’m sure we’ll see it in Melbourne.”
Hayden believes that Kohli’s ability to adapt and exercise restraint will be key to his success in the remaining matches. He is optimistic about Kohli’s potential to turn his form around. The upcoming Melbourne Test will be a crucial test of Kohli’s ability to implement Hayden’s suggestions and regain his batting prowess.